In the recent preseason loss of the New England Patriots to the Washington Commanders, starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett suffered an injury to his throwing shoulder. The injury occurred in the first quarter of the game when Brissett was sacked by Washington’s KJ Henry. The forceful impact of the 6-foot-4, 255-pound defender landing on top of Brissett’s shoulder caused him visible discomfort. Despite this, Brissett managed to stay in the game temporarily, connecting on a pass before being pulled out as a precaution. Coach Jerod Mayo stated that Brissett could have continued playing if the plan was to keep him on the field longer.
Following Brissett’s exit, rookie quarterback Drake Maye took over and performed admirably. Maye completed 13-of-20 passes for 126 yards and threw a touchdown on his first drive. He also showcased his mobility with a 17-yard run that set up the team’s only touchdown of the game. Maye’s performance raised questions about his readiness to step in if Brissett’s injury proves to be serious.
One major concern highlighted by the game was the performance of the Patriots’ offensive line. The starting offensive line, excluding center David Andrews, committed eight penalties during the game. In addition to penalties, there were issues with shotgun snaps, center-quarterback exchanges, and blocking errors that impacted Brissett’s ability to stay protected. These issues raised doubts about the team’s ability to protect their quarterbacks effectively.
In terms of quarterback depth, aside from Brissett and Maye, the Patriots have rookie Joe Milton III and third-year veteran Bailey Zappe on the roster. This raises questions about the team’s backup plan if Brissett is unable to play. Coach Mayo’s reluctance to commit to Maye as the immediate backup indicates that there are still evaluations to be made regarding the quarterback position.
Coach Jerod Mayo had previously maintained that Brissett was the starting quarterback, with Maye having the potential to compete for the position based on his performance. However, Mayo’s post-game comments suggested that the decision regarding the quarterback hierarchy was still up for review. This uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the team dynamics and raises questions about the readiness of the quarterbacks to lead the team.
Jacoby Brissett’s injury and the subsequent performance of backup quarterback Drake Maye have brought to light concerns about the New England Patriots’ quarterback situation. The issues with the offensive line, penalties, and overall team performance further compound the challenges faced by the coaching staff in making crucial decisions regarding the quarterback position. As the team approaches the roster deadline, the evaluation of available quarterbacks and their readiness to lead the team will be critical in ensuring a successful season for the New England Patriots.